Former Elvis impersonator to be opening act for Exile

Marcel Elisen , a former Elvis Presley impersonator who gave up his jumpsuits to record his first single, “Rock Me,” in 1985, will open in the Don Gibson Theatre lounge on May 17 for popular 1970s and 80s rock pop and country band Exile.

By Bernie Petit / Staff Writer

Published: Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 08:49 AM.

Marcel Elisen, a former Elvis Presley impersonator who gave up his jumpsuits to record his first single, “Rock Me,” in 1985, will open in the Don Gibson Theatre lounge on May 17 for popular 1970s and 80s rock pop and country band Exile.

The European performer recently shared his thoughts about his upcoming U.S. tour, why he stopped impersonating Elvis and what folks can expect in his performance.

Questions and responses have been edited for clarity/brevity.

Q: What are you looking forward to during your upcoming U.S. tour?

A: Meeting my American fans and friends. I am also looking forward to gaining new fans with my life performances. I have been an America fan for all of my life and every time I visit I hate to leave again. The people, the way they treat their artists, with respect and enthusiasm. The food, just the whole attitude of the people I have met so far. I am looking forward to everything that will come my way this tour.

Marcel Elisen, a former Elvis Presley impersonator who gave up his jumpsuits to record his first single, “Rock Me,” in 1985, will open in the Don Gibson Theatre lounge on May 17 for popular 1970s and 80s rock pop and country band Exile.

The European performer recently shared his thoughts about his upcoming U.S. tour, why he stopped impersonating Elvis and what folks can expect in his performance.

Questions and responses have been edited for clarity/brevity.

Q: What are you looking forward to during your upcoming U.S. tour?

A: Meeting my American fans and friends. I am also looking forward to gaining new fans with my life performances. I have been an America fan for all of my life and every time I visit I hate to leave again. The people, the way they treat their artists, with respect and enthusiasm. The food, just the whole attitude of the people I have met so far. I am looking forward to everything that will come my way this tour.

Q: What's new career-wise?

A: I am in the process of recording a new CD in the Netherlands, with the title “Country Time,” which will be coming out sometime beginning of 2014.

Q: Why did you renounce your Elvis suits?

A: Being an Elvis impersonator originated from my love for Elvis. I do have a very eclectic taste in music however and did not want to limit myself to only Presley songs. Elvis impersonators copy Elvis and lose their own identity that way. I am Marcel Elisen singing Elvis songs.

Q: You took an eight year break from music – why?

A: After a very emotional divorce, I lost my interest in performing in front of an audience. I started painting, loosing myself in paint and canvas. It helped me deal with the sadness and emotions that were filling my life at that time. Two years ago I felt the urge to perform again and went back to the recording studio. My renewed interest in music has resulted in a DVD and five CDs with a sixth in the pipeline.

Q: What can people expect from your upcoming performances?

A: I’ll be singing mostly country songs this time, interacting with the audience and hopefully I’ll blow their socks off. This tour I’ll be giving my fans a special treat because most of the songs I’ll be performing I have not performed on stage just yet. They will be on the new album. In every show I will do a tribute to recently deceased county legend George Jones by singing his hit “She Thinks I Still Care.”

Want to Go?

Marcel Elisen opens for Exile at 8 p.m. May 17 at the Don Gibson Theatre, 318 S. Washington St., Shelby. Exile has charted 11 No. 1 hits and 21 Top 40 hits. The band is known for the songs “Woke Up in Love” and “I Can’t Get Close Enough.” All five original members will perform.